Yap together with community leaders meeting officer from the DID and the consultant.

KUCHING (July 1): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has called for urgent action on the long-delayed RM350 million flood mitigation project at Stampin Resettlement Scheme.

He said the project, first announced by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Nov 16, 2022, was further brought into motion with a kick-off meeting chaired by Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel on July 13, 2023.

“However, despite clear state-level commitment and funding allocation by the Sarawak GPS Government, the physical implementation of the project has yet to commence, much to the disappointment of the affected community,” he said in a statement.

Seeking to address the matter, Yap, accompanied by Penghulu Jakup Buan, Tuai Rumah Michael Mada, and representatives from the various village security and development committees, convened a crucial site meeting today with officers from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and their appointed consultant at the Stampin Resettlement Scheme.

“The engagement was held to scrutinise the progress of the RM350 million Flood Mitigation Project — a long-overdue initiative that has become a major source of anxiety and frustration for local residents,” he explained.

During the dialogue, Yap expressed deep concern over the slow pace of progress and conveyed the mounting frustration of residents who have endured repeated flash floods for years.

“This is not just about infrastructure; it is about the safety, health, and dignity of the people — especially the elderly and children — who are at constant risk during the rainy season,” he said.

He appealed to the DID and the consultant to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and expedite all remaining technical and planning processes so that work can proceed without further delay.

Yap stressed that effective flood mitigation is not a luxury but a vital obligation to the people.

“As their elected representative, I stand firmly with the residents of Stampin Resettlement Scheme. I urge all relevant authorities to redouble their efforts and uphold the trust placed in them by the community.

“It is my sincere hope that, through closer cooperation and commitment, this long-awaited project can finally be implemented in a timely manner,” he said.

Yap said the meeting ended with a clear consensus among local leaders and himself, calling for the prompt commencement of physical works so that residents may finally live in safety and dignity.